| For the theme of this and following articles, I will | | | | about how your networkee feels about it. "So, |
| be discussing the eight steps of the strategic | | | | how do you feel about that sculpture? Looks a |
| conversation exchange as proposed to a stranger | | | | little bit like Marge Simpson's hair."If you can add |
| or someone you are meeting for the first time. | | | | humor into an opening statement do it. If adding |
| This article is for face to face networking, (funny | | | | humor to your dialogue doesn't come naturally |
| how we have to distinguish now) and should be | | | | don't bother. Be yourself and the rest will fall into |
| pictured as if you are approaching your | | | | place. |
| "networkee" at a social gathering where both of | | | | * Figure out why both of you are there. A well |
| you are standing and socializing. | | | | placed comment about why both of you are |
| This is the first installment of a multi-part series in | | | | where you are is also a great way to get the |
| the Strategic Conversational Exchange (SEC). | | | | SCE started. "Have you heard Mr. X speak |
| 1. Breaking the ice. | | | | before? Where have you heard him?" Or "Are |
| 2. Initiating small talk. | | | | you also part of the environmental forum?" |
| 3. Establishing relationships of mutual friends or | | | | * Think of an interesting fact about the |
| contacts. | | | | establishment of where you are. Feel free to |
| 4. Establishing location. | | | | expose this information outright to your |
| 5. Explaining what they spend most of their time | | | | networkee. Remember it's not about what you |
| doing. | | | | say but ... that you're saying something. Think |
| 6. Explaining what are some of their hobbies or | | | | about the theme of what you want to say. If |
| interests. | | | | you want to go historical say something like: "You |
| 7. Discussing aims and goals. | | | | know this building was around during WW2. |
| 8. Parting ways. | | | | Amazing what these walls have seen." If you |
| Breaking the ice is the first step in developing | | | | want to keep it laid back, say something about |
| sound conversation which will reap you the most | | | | what has happened to you since you have been |
| social or professional benefits. It is arguably one of | | | | in the establishment. If it was a positive |
| the most important steps when it comes to | | | | experience, insist that he or she take part. "The |
| meeting new people and establishing fresh | | | | restaurant upstairs serves excellent cheesecake. |
| connections. | | | | The best I've ever had. Do you like cheesecake? |
| A simple way to start a SCE is to establish as | | | | You should try some." |
| many commonalities as possible. Well, what do | | | | You may notice how these talking points don't |
| you have in common with a complete stranger? | | | | start with a "Hi, I'm Mr. Realanxious. Nice to meet |
| Good question. You do have the space you're | | | | you." It's unnecessary and almost cliche. You |
| standing in common. | | | | stand out more when you come out with |
| As you approach your "networkee": | | | | something that's least expected (hence why pick |
| * Take note of any unusual characteristics about | | | | up lines don't work). |
| the place in which you are. Use the peculiar place | | | | In the next article I will discuss another way to |
| you are in to leverage a statement or question | | | | break the ice with actual things you can say. |